Kia has been excellent at building cars that seem more expensive than they are. The Optima has become a surprisingly stylish and appealing entry in the competitive mid-size segment.
Three engine options are offered for 2017: A 178-horsepower turbocharged 1.6L, a 185-horsepower 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 245-horsepower turbocharged 2.0L. The 1.6L engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Other engines are paired with a conventional 6-speed automatic.
The Optima Hybrid utilizes the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and pairs with it with a lithium polymer battery and electric motor. It come...